[Ministry of Science and ICT Report] From Fine Dust Satellites to Response Against Japan's Regulations

Minister Choi Ki-young of the Ministry of Science and ICT

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] Next month, the world's first geostationary 'fine dust observation satellite' made by our own hands will be launched into space. In the second half of the year, the first next-generation medium-sized satellite for observation will be launched, and next year, the domestically produced launch vehicle Nuriho will be launched into space, marking a year of preparations for advancing to a space powerhouse.

A technology self-reliance strategy to respond to Japan's export regulations will also be actively pursued. To secure scientific and technological capabilities that are not shaken by external winds, the largest-ever national R&D budget will be invested.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced this year's plan with these contents in the presidential work report on the 15th.

From the world's first fine dust monitoring satellite to lunar exploration

The Ministry of Science and ICT is carrying out preparations to enter the ranks of advanced space nations. First, it is accelerating work to launch Nuriho, Korea's first independent launch vehicle, next year. This year, the government will complete the assembly of the first-stage certification model of Nuriho and conduct combustion tests. Then, it will also produce the first flight model for the first-stage clustering technology test evaluation.

The Nuriho project is a project to develop a 300-ton-class three-stage launch vehicle capable of placing a 1.5-ton-class practical satellite into low Earth orbit.

Regarding artificial satellites, starting with the launch of the Cheollian Satellite 2B for fine dust monitoring next month, the first next-generation medium-sized satellite for precise ground observation will be launched into space in the second half of the year. Preparations will also be made to launch the multipurpose practical satellites 6 and 7 next year.

Korea's first lunar exploration project will also proceed sequentially. This year, the detailed design of the lunar orbiter will be completed. The launch of the lunar probe is scheduled for July 2022.

Solving export regulations through 'technology self-reliance'

In addition, the government will invest the largest-ever R&D budget in materials, parts, and components beyond the space sector. It will spend 24.2 trillion won, an 18% increase compared to last year. The goal is to secure scientific and technological competitiveness.

A total of 1.7 trillion won will be invested in materials, parts, and components R&D. Through this, alternative technologies for 30 items including semiconductors and displays will be developed, and self-reliance in parts for 5G equipment and terminals, which have high import dependence, will be pursued.

Support for the life cycle of science and technology will also begin. Based on the results of basic and fundamental research in the science and technology field, 'relay-type' technology development will support follow-up applied ICT research, and the 'running together' project will provide cross-ministerial support at every stage from demand surveys of basic and fundamental technologies to commercialization. The 3N project, which unites the capabilities of representative research labs and facilities in materials, parts, and components at the national level, will also start.

The fragmented R&D information sharing and research support systems across ministries will be integrated. Research and development regulations scattered across more than 150 laws will be organized into a single statute to eliminate unreasonable regulations and remove barriers between ministries. The 'Sejong Science Fellowship' will support 1,000 young researchers to guarantee research stability and autonomy. Two trillion won will be invested in 'researcher-centered basic research,' where researchers propose research topics and funding.

The Ministry of Science and ICT stated, "We will place people at the center of change and its benefits, support researchers' autonomy, and create outcomes that the public and humanity can enjoy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.